Albillo Real Grape
Sierra de Gredos • Madrid • Free Shipping From $1,499
"A treasure rescued from granite: the white grape that defies the canons with its silky volume and its mountain elegance."
The Aristocracy of Central Spain
Albillo Real is a historic white grape of Madrid and the rugged valleys of the Sierra de Gredos (areas of Madrid, Ávila and Toledo). It is an early-budding, early-ripening variety with small, compact bunches, and it requires careful viticulture to preserve its freshness before the summer heat.
After decades of anonymity, independent winegrowers have recovered plots of old bush vines. This yields whites of great complexity, with relatively low acidity compensated by a granitic minerality, an elegant bitterness and a memorable volume on the palate.
Reasons to choose La Cava Shop
- Curation: wines from single plots and limited production.
- Free shipping on purchases from $1,499 MXN across Mexico.
- Returns: 90 days at no cost.
- Climate-controlled cellar: storage at controlled temperature.
The Wines in the Collection
- Aurelio García El Bernate Albillo Real 2022: an Albillo Real from Gredos.
- Marañones 2022: a white from the Sierra de Gredos.
- Ferratus Albillo Mayor: an Albillo Mayor from Ribera del Duero, to compare with Albillo Real.
Also explore the wines of Spain and the full-bodied white wines.
Terroir and Sensory Expression
Sensory Profile
On the nose, stone fruit (apricot, ripe peach), wild honey, orange peel, quince and dried white flowers stand out. On the palate it is dense, unctuous and silky, with a long, persistent finish.
Tension and Granite
The Sierra de Gredos provides decomposed granitic sand soils, at an altitude of roughly 600 to 1,000 meters above sea level. That mountain geology gives a saline finish, a chalky texture and a noble nutty bitterness that balances the warmth of the wine.
Styles and Winemaking Techniques
Aging on Fine Lees and in Oak
This is where the grape reaches its maximum complexity. Periodic stirring of the fine lees (bâtonnage) boosts unctuousness, while measured contact with clay jars or used barrels adds micro-oxygenation without masking its fruit.
Orange Wines and Skin Maceration
Because its skins are rich in aromatic compounds, prolonged skin maceration extracts gentle tannins and an amber hue. Discover more in our orange wines.
Service and Temperature
Given its unctuous structure and moderate acidity, it should not be served too cold: the ideal temperature is between 10 °C and 12 °C, in wide-bowled glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Albillo Real and Albillo Mayor?
Although they share part of the name, they are different varieties. Albillo Real is the grape of Madrid and the Sierra de Gredos, ripening very early. Albillo Mayor predominates in Ribera del Duero and gives different aromatic profiles.
What dishes does Albillo Real pair with?
Because of its body and bitter finish it pairs like a light red: game birds, traditional stews, cod, creamy rice dishes, grilled oily fish, foie gras and aged sheep's cheeses.
Does it have cellaring ability in bottle?
Examples worked on fine lees and aged in wood or clay jars can gain complexity with several years of cellaring under optimal conditions.
Which Albillo wines are available at La Cava Shop?
Aurelio García El Bernate Albillo Real 2022, Marañones 2022 and Ferratus Albillo Mayor, with free shipping from $1,499 MXN and 90 days for free returns.
Discover the Complexity of Albillo Real
Bring the elegance and singularity of the whites of Gredos and Madrid to your table. Place your order at La Cava Shop and enjoy free shipping on purchases from $1,499 MXN across Mexico.
See Marañones 2022